Unit 5: A Changing New York
Big Idea Activity: What causes a society to grow?
Students should work with a partner to co-anchor a news program. Encourage students to report on what causes a society to grow. They should report on the changes that have made New York what it is today. Be sure to discuss the causes of each change. Students might want to give an opinion about whether a change has been good or bad for New York.
Explore the official New York website.
Visit this site for more information about the growth of New York.
Discuss each of the People Who Made a Difference with students. Ask them to explain how New York was affected by each of these people. How would the state be different if these people had never been in New York?
These websites emphasize the impact these figures had on American history and their influence in New York. Students will learn more about the People Who Made a Difference through discussion and activities.
Oscar Garcia Rivera (1900-1969)
Daniel Patrick Moynihan (1927-2003)
Ask students what they think causes a society to grow. How has New York changed in the last decade? How has technology helped New York develop? Have students think about the structure of government on local, state and national levels. How do these structures help promote New York? How did the People Who Made a Difference help New York develop?
Writing Activity: Writing Activity
Students will write a 2 paragraph essay answering the Big Idea Question – What causes a society to grow?
1. The graphic organizer will be used to list the main ideas that will be in the essay. Complete the graphic organizer as a class or have the students complete it themselves.
2. The writing activity will focus on what causes a society to grow. Students should think about how these different causes affected communities in general as well as their own community specifically.
3. Once the graphic organizer has been completed by the students individually or as a group, assign the type of essay that they will write: Descriptive, Narrative or Persuasive.
Virtual Field Trip: Albany, New York
Albany has been New York’s capital since 1797. It has historical significance as well as modern appeal for visitors. The New York State Museum and the New York State Capitol building are both located here. Ask students why they think people might want to visit Albany. How has Albany helped shape the development of New York?
Biography: Oscar Garcia Rivera
Oscar Garcia Rivera moved from Puerto Rico to New York to fight for the rights of poor people. In 1926 he became a lawyer. He wanted to bring justice to poor people. He also organized unions and was elected to the New York State Assembly. Discuss how Rivera showed leadership.
Biography: Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress. She also ran for president in 1972. She fought to improve education, civil rights, women’s rights and to help the poor. Discuss with students the causes that Chisholm supported.
Biography: Tania Leon
Tania Leon moved to New York from Cuba and became one of the first female symphony orchestra conductors. She also writes music and has received many awards for her talent. Discuss how Leon has shown courage.
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